Obi Urges Immediate Government Action Amid Rising Terror Threats in Nigeria

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan, Editor-in-chief | Journalist at Sele Media Africa

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, urging urgent and decisive action in response to Nigeria’s escalating security challenges. His call follows the release of the 2025 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), which ranks Nigeria among the most terror-affected countries worldwide.

In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, Obi described the GTI findings as a “painful indictment of failed leadership,” highlighting that the country experienced one of the largest year-on-year increases in terrorism-related deaths. “The rise in terror incidents and fatalities is alarming. Our citizens deserve safety, yet successive governments continue to offer excuses instead of solutions,” Obi emphasized.

The Global Terrorism Index report, compiled annually by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), provides a comprehensive analysis of global trends in terrorism. According to the 2025 edition, Nigeria witnessed a 46% increase in deaths from terrorism compared to the previous year, the highest global rise recorded during this period. The GTI also notes that attacks are concentrated in the North East, North West, and parts of the Middle Belt, where insurgent groups, bandits, and organized criminal gangs continue to destabilize communities.

Obi’s statement reflects growing public concern over the government’s response to insecurity, particularly in regions prone to Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and criminal banditry. Analysts have pointed out that while the Nigerian security apparatus has been deployed extensively, lack of coordination, inadequate intelligence gathering, and corruption have hindered effective counter-terrorism operations.

The former presidential candidate further criticized the administration for what he described as “reactive and fragmented strategies” that fail to address the root causes of terrorism. He called for a multi-pronged approach, including enhanced military and police operations, community-based intelligence initiatives, and robust social programs aimed at reducing youth unemployment and curbing extremist recruitment.

Civil society organizations have also echoed Obi’s concerns, warning that continued delays in implementing comprehensive security reforms could exacerbate humanitarian crises, displace thousands of citizens, and threaten regional stability. International partners, including the United Nations and African Union, have urged Nigeria to strengthen its counter-terrorism framework while ensuring the protection of human rights.

Experts suggest that the spike in terrorism-related fatalities not only undermines national development but also affects investor confidence and Nigeria’s broader socio-economic trajectory. The GTI underscores that countries experiencing similar surges in terrorism often face prolonged economic stagnation, increased displacement of populations, and heightened social tensions.

As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, Obi’s call for urgent action underscores the necessity for leadership that prioritizes citizen safety over political expediency. The country stands at a critical juncture where proactive governance, strategic intelligence deployment, and community engagement could mitigate the growing terror threat.

Sources: Global Terrorism Index 2025 – Institute for Economics & Peace; BBC News; Al Jazeera; Reuters; The Guardian Nigeria.

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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